Peppermint Lemon Snowballs

Oh, the first bite of these Peppermint Lemon Snowballs is pure joy. They’re soft, sweet, and have that cool peppermint kick with a hint of lemon. The smell alone makes me think of winter mornings and cozy lights.

The mix of mint and lemon is so fresh and fun—it’s not too strong, just perfect. Each little cookie melts in your mouth like snow. And they look so pretty dusted with sugar, like tiny frosted treats.

I love baking these when I want something light and festive. They’re easy to make and always surprise people with that bright lemony twist. You’ll want to keep a plate of them out all season long.

So come on, let’s roll up a batch together. They’re quick, cute, and taste like holiday cheer in cookie form. One bite and you’ll be smiling, I promise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing Twist: A unique mix of peppermint and lemon that’s bright and refreshing.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These snowballs are soft, buttery, and practically dissolve on your tongue.
• Simple to Make: This easy-to-follow recipe takes minimal time and effort, perfect for those busy baking days.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily refrigerate or freeze these cookies, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time.
• Great for Gifting: These cookies are ideal for holiday gift baskets or cookie exchanges.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get to the ingredients and instructions, here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Peppermint Lemon Snowballs:

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the cookie dough ingredients.
• Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer): To cream together the butter and sugar for a smooth, fluffy dough.
• Baking Sheet: For placing your cookies.
• Parchment Paper: Helps to prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Cooling Rack: To allow your cookies to cool after baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you’re using the right amount of each ingredient.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these amazing snowball cookies. You can also find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the end.

• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened). Butter is the base for the soft and rich texture of these cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup. For that melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and smooth dough.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. A classic flavor that adds depth to the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups. The main dry ingredient that holds everything together.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Finely Chopped Pecans: 1/2 cup. Adds texture and a mild, nutty flavor that complements the peppermint and lemon.
• Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon. This brings out the fresh citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with peppermint.
• Peppermint Extract: 1 teaspoon. The star of the show that gives these cookies their signature flavor.
• Edible Peppermint Candies (Crushed): For decoration. This is optional but adds a fun, crunchy touch to the cookies and extra peppermint flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by placing the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the two together until they’re light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. This step is essential for creating the smooth, soft texture we want for these cookies.

2. Add Vanilla and Peppermint Extract

Next, add the vanilla extract and peppermint extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat for another 30 seconds to make sure the extracts are fully incorporated. You should start to smell that wonderful peppermint aroma already!

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

Now, add the all-purpose flour, salt, and lemon zest to the bowl. Mix on low speed so the flour doesn’t fly everywhere, and then increase to medium speed to fully incorporate everything into the dough. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky at this point.

4. Fold in the Chopped Pecans

Fold in the finely chopped pecans by hand using a spatula or spoon. The nuts add a wonderful crunch and complement the soft, tender texture of the cookies. If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.

5. Form the Dough into Balls

Scoop out 1-inch portions of the dough and roll them into balls. I like to use a cookie scoop for this to ensure they’re all the same size and bake evenly. Place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

6. Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look soft, but don’t worry, they will firm up as they cool.

7. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This will give them a chance to set without falling apart.

8. Coat the Cookies in Powdered Sugar

Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time for the fun part—coating them in powdered sugar! Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl and gently roll each cookie in it until fully coated. For a festive touch, you can also add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies on top for a little extra crunch and peppermint flavor.

How to Serve Peppermint Lemon Snowballs

These Peppermint Lemon Snowballs are delicious on their own, but they’re also perfect for:

• Holiday Cookie Platters: Add them to your holiday cookie spread alongside other festive treats.
• Gift Giving: Place them in a cute tin or gift box for the perfect homemade gift.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate Pairing: These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee, making them an ideal treat for cold winter days.
• Cookie Swaps: If you’re participating in a cookie exchange, these snowballs will be the star of the show.

Storing Peppermint Lemon Snowballs

• At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They stay fresh and soft for several days, and the peppermint flavor only gets better.
• Freezing: If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. For dough, roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for 1 hour before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can bake the frozen dough directly, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
• Baked Cookies: You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving or gifting.

Variations for Peppermint Lemon Snowballs

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are some great ways to customize these snowballs to suit your preferences:

• Add White Chocolate Chips: For a creamy contrast to the peppermint, fold in a handful of white chocolate chips to the dough.
• Use Other Nuts: Swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios to change up the flavor.
• Swap for Orange Zest: If you want a different citrus flavor, try using orange zest instead of lemon for a fresh twist.
• More Peppermint: If you love peppermint, increase the amount of peppermint extract for an even stronger flavor.

Nutrition with Table Format

Nutritional Information	Per Serving
Calories	140 kcal
Fat	8 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Cholesterol	20 mg
Carbohydrates	16 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	7 g
Protein	1 g
Sodium	45 mg

Conclusion

Peppermint Lemon Snowballs are an unforgettable treat that’s simple to make and absolutely delicious! With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, refreshing peppermint and lemon flavor, and festive appeal, they’re perfect for any holiday gathering or as a special homemade gift. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these delightful cookies!

Peppermint Lemon Snowballs FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, as it will help bind the dough together.

Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?

While powdered sugar gives the cookies a nice melt-in-your-mouth texture, you can substitute with granulated sugar if necessary. However, your cookies may be slightly firmer and less delicate.

How do I make these cookies dairy-free?

You can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative, like a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Make sure the peppermint extract is also dairy-free if that’s a concern.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These cookies keep well in the fridge or freezer, and the dough can also be prepared in advance. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!